HONOLULU – The Coast Guard suspended the search at sunset on Friday for a fisherman whose kayak was found unmanned and adrift 300 yards of the Kawaihae entrance on Thursday morning.

The 66-year-old man, Steven Wycoff, was last seen fishing at approximately 9:30 a.m. heading north from Mauna Kea beach. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center were notified of the situation at approximately 11 a.m. Thursday.

The Coast Guard searched with air and sea assets covering more than 228 square miles in coordination with the Hawaii County Fire Department and their resources.

“After a thorough search effort alongside the Hawaii County Fire Department, we’ve come to the difficult decision to suspend this search,” said Captain Shannon Gilreath, Sector Honolulu’s commander. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”